The demand for skilled healthcare professionals, particularly physician assistants (PAs), has never been higher. As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, the role of PAs has become increasingly vital in providing high-quality patient care. For those interested in pursuing a career as a PA, accredited online programs offer a flexible and accessible path to achieving this goal. Here, we’ll explore over 12 accredited physician assistant programs available online, discussing their unique features, curricula, and what makes them stand out in the field.
1. University of Nebraska Medical Center - College of Allied Health Professions
- Program: Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS)
- Duration: 28 months
- Delivery: Hybrid (online and on-campus components)
- Accreditation: Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA)
- Unique Feature: Emphasis on rural and underserved population healthcare, preparing PAs to serve in diverse settings.
2. George Washington University - School of Medicine and Health Sciences
- Program: Master of Science in Health Sciences (PA Program)
- Duration: 26 months
- Delivery: Hybrid
- Accreditation: ARC-PA
- Unique Feature: Offers a strong foundation in preventive medicine and health promotion, with clinical experiences in the nation’s capital.
3. Drexel University - College of Nursing and Health Professions
- Program: Master of Health Science (MHS) in Physician Assistant Studies
- Duration: 27 months
- Delivery: Hybrid
- Accreditation: ARC-PA
- Unique Feature: Incorporates a unique blend of online learning with hands-on clinical training, preparing graduates for a wide range of medical specialties.
4. University of Iowa - Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine
- Program: Master of Physician Assistant Studies
- Duration: 28 months
- Delivery: Hybrid
- Accreditation: ARC-PA
- Unique Feature: Focuses on developing PAs who can practice in various settings, from primary care to specialty practices, with an emphasis on compassionate, patient-centered care.
5. Pacific University - College of Health Professions
- Program: Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies
- Duration: 27 months
- Delivery: Hybrid
- Accreditation: ARC-PA
- Unique Feature: Offers a program built on the principles of interprofessional collaboration, cultural competence, and evidence-based practice.
6. Purdue University Global - School of Health Sciences
- Program: Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies
- Duration: 28 months
- Delivery: Online with required on-campus intensives
- Accreditation: ARC-PA
- Unique Feature: Provides a flexible, online education model designed for working professionals, with a focus on preparing PAs for the ever-changing healthcare landscape.
7. DeSales University - Department of Physician Assistant Studies
- Program: Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies
- Duration: 24 months (accelerated), 27 months (traditional)
- Delivery: Hybrid
- Accreditation: ARC-PA
- Unique Feature: Offers both traditional and accelerated tracks, catering to different learning needs and career goals.
8. Touro College - School of Health Sciences
- Program: Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies
- Duration: 28 months
- Delivery: Hybrid
- Accreditation: ARC-PA
- Unique Feature: Places a strong emphasis on the social determinants of health and preparing PAs to address healthcare disparities.
9. Quinnipiac University - School of Health Sciences
- Program: Master of Health Science in Physician Assistant Studies
- Duration: 27 months
- Delivery: Hybrid
- Accreditation: ARC-PA
- Unique Feature: Incorporates a curriculum that emphasizes not only clinical skills but also the business aspects of healthcare, preparing graduates for leadership roles.
10. Rush University - College of Health Sciences
- Program: Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies
- Duration: 30 months
- Delivery: Hybrid
- Accreditation: ARC-PA
- Unique Feature: Offers a comprehensive education that combines clinical training with research and professional development opportunities.
11. Seton Hall University - School of Health and Medical Sciences
- Program: Master of Science in Physician Assistant
- Duration: 28 months
- Delivery: Hybrid
- Accreditation: ARC-PA
- Unique Feature: Focuses on creating a community of scholars who are committed to delivering compassionate, patient-centered care in a variety of clinical settings.
12. University of North Dakota - School of Medicine & Health Sciences
- Program: Master of Physician Assistant Studies
- Duration: 28 months
- Delivery: Hybrid
- Accreditation: ARC-PA
- Unique Feature: Places a unique emphasis on rural healthcare, with opportunities for students to engage in clinical rotations in underserved areas.
When selecting an online PA program, it’s essential to consider factors such as accreditation status, curriculum relevance, clinical rotation opportunities, and the program’s reputation within the healthcare community. Ensuring that the program aligns with your career goals and personal circumstances is also crucial. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, the role of physician assistants will only continue to grow in importance, making accredited online PA programs an attractive option for those looking to embark on a rewarding career in healthcare.
FAQ Section
What makes a PA program accredited?
+Accreditation is granted by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) after a thorough review of the program's curriculum, faculty qualifications, clinical rotation quality, and student outcomes, ensuring the program meets high standards of education and training.
How do I choose the right PA program for me?
+Choosing the right PA program involves considering several factors including the program's accreditation status, curriculum, location, cost, and clinical rotation opportunities. It's also important to research the program's reputation, faculty expertise, and graduate outcomes to ensure it aligns with your career aspirations and personal needs.
Can I complete a PA program entirely online?
+While some components of PA programs can be completed online, such as didactic coursework, clinical rotations and certain hands-on training typically require in-person participation. Thus, most PA programs are offered in a hybrid format that combines online learning with on-campus and clinical site requirements.
What kind of support services are available to online PA students?
+Online PA programs often provide a range of support services to their students, including academic advising, technical support, access to virtual libraries and research databases, mentorship programs, and career counseling. Some programs may also offer mental health services and support for managing the demands of PA school.
How long does it typically take to complete a PA program?
+The duration of PA programs can vary but typically ranges from 24 to 30 months for full-time students. This includes both the didactic phase, where students learn foundational sciences and PA studies, and the clinical phase, where they apply their knowledge in real-world clinical settings.
What are the admission requirements for PA programs?
+Admission requirements for PA programs often include a bachelor's degree, a minimum GPA, prerequisite coursework (such as biology, chemistry, and physiology), healthcare experience, and competitive scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or other standardized tests. Some programs may also require or recommend letters of recommendation and personal statements.
Embarking on a career as a physician assistant through an accredited online program can be a highly rewarding decision, offering flexibility, comprehensive education, and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives. As healthcare continues to evolve, the demand for skilled, compassionate PAs will only continue to grow, making this career path an exciting and challenging choice for those dedicated to delivering high-quality patient care.
